The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is working with Humanities Guåhan to collect objects from Guam as part of the Te Papa’s Pacific cultures collection to feature indigenous Chamorro people, including works by master carvers, weavers and blacksmiths. Te Papa Pacific curators Sean Mallon and Nina Tonga traveled to Guam in May to work with Kimberlee Kihleng, executive director, and Monaeka Flores, coordinator for marketing and programs of Humanities Guåhan, and selected artists.

This project is the pilot for future co-collecting activity in the region. The first selection will include works by Master Carver Jill Benavente, Master Blacksmith Francisco Lizama and weavers James Bamba and Mark Benavente.